Travel
Hotel Adlon – Berlin Pariser Platz
The Hotel Adlon Kepimski more than 100 years after its original opening, continues to be the place for an unforgettable stay of luxury and comfort.
Why at the beginning of the 20th century did the royal families prefer the Hotel Adlon to their palaces, and why still today do business people and famous personalities choose it when coming to Berlin?
The place to be spotted
100 years after its construction in 1907 and its reopening in the late 1990’s Hotel Adlon is once again the place to stay while visiting Berlin and where stars are often spotted.
What historical figure, politician or other personality from then and now has not been seen there? Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, John Rockefeller, Richard Strauss, Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon, Tom Cruise, Bill Clinton and U2 among others have all stayed in this hotel.
Hotel Adlon Kepimski in Berlin – credits Hotel Adlon
Its history
The opening of Hotel Adlon was the dream of a man, Lorenz Adlon. Once a carpenter, then working in the catering business, it took him 27 years after his move to Berlin to fulfill it. Lorenz had owned a restaurant and a couple of hotels before investing his money into the Adlon.
It was quickly a real success, a place where Kaiser Wilhem II loved staying. In 1931, his grand son, Louis Adlon, became the owner of the property. Burned down at the end of the war, completely destroyed in 1984, it reopened in 1997 on the exact same spot, according to the wish of the Adlon family.
The renovations, paid by private investors, are said to have cost 435 Million DM/$ 312 Million). The Kempinski Hotel chain operates the Adlon.
Hotel Adlon Kepimski Berlin, view of the Brandenburg gate – credits Hotel Adlon
Special guest
Kaiser Wilhem II was the first guest of the hotel. He praised the shiny floors and the new technology: hot/cold faucets, cooling and lighting systems. He enjoyed his stays so much that he paid an annual fee to make sure there would always be a place for him and his staff.
Recognition
Since its reopening, Hotel Adlon has been in the news and again has regained its original fame. In 1999, Time newspaper nicknamed it the “Hotel of the Century”. In 2003, it was number two on the list of world’s best hotels according to a survey by the Condé Traveller. In 2005, it was named best European hotel of the year by the association of “The Leading Hotels of the World.” In 2007 it got the distinction of World’s Leading Business Hotel from World Travel Award. In 2008, Diners Club Magazine Award said Hotel Adlon had Germany’s nicest suites. Last year, Condé Traveller named it “Best overseas business hotel”.
A book about the hotel is available and a film “The Glamorous World of the Adlon Hotel” was made in 1996 and directed by Percy Adlon, the great-grand son of Louis Adlon. Félix Adlon, actor and great great grand-son of Lorenz, played the role of Louis Adlon.
2007 Anniversary
For its centennial anniversary in October 2007, the Adlon threw a big party to celebrate. Only the best friends of the Hotel were invited. There were many speeches like from the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit and Félix Adlon. The best bottles of Champagne and wine were opened for the occasion. Even BMW had old cars on display in front of the hotel.
Hotel Kempinski Adlon in Berlin- Lobby with elephant fountain – credits Hotel Adlon
The Adlon Café
Anyone can access the café in the lobby. Guests can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and order from a wide selection of delicious cakes. A beautiful 3 meter high elephant water fountain stands in the middle and you can listen to the water dripping while enjoying your tea break.
Secret of the Adlon
It is ideally located on Pariser Platz near the Brandenburg Gate. It is at the end of the avenue Unter den Linden and near the most interesting historical sights like the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and Gendarmenmarkt. For the first decade after 1994, when the hotel bought the land, the value had already tripled!
The hotel offers more than 370 luxurious rooms and 70 suites with much comfort. There is 1 Presidential suite assuring the highest security and bullet proof windows and of course privacy! There is a separate entrance for those who want to arrive incognito. The room is 1,990s.f/185sq.meters.
Adlon has also a Kaisersuite even bigger than the previous suite with 2,368s.f/220sq.m. For this luxury you need to pay depending on the month up to 20,000 euros a night!
Royal suite room at the Hotel Adlon Kepimski – credits Hotel Adlon
The interior decoration of the rooms is just stunning with marble floors, stucco ceilings and damask drapes. The beautiful wellness and spa is
at each guest’s disposal. Conferences rooms and a ballroom are also available. Adlon’s guests have always been able to enjoy the very best advanced technology since its opening. For this reason business people love the Adlon.
The restaurant “Lorenz Adlon”, known for its haute cuisine, has been awarded Michelin Stars and is often praised in the Gaultmillau and der Feinschmecker magazines. One can expect only top service at the Adlon, even a dog sitter is available!
Who would not dream of spending a vacation or a night at the Adlon?
